May 1 - Spirit Mountain TrilliumsTrilliums carpet the forest floor of Spirit Mountain in early May.The various flowers and other plants that glorify God in their being decorate the forest floor, signaling that springtime is in full bloom.Interestingly, trillium flowers have three petals, three sepals, and three leaves, making them one of the few plants in the world with a "triple trinity" symbolism. This unique feature has made trilliums a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. Additionally, trilliums are known for their medicinal properties and have been used to treat various ailments for centuries."Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." - Luke 12:27 (ESV)Trillium blossoms last only a week or two, so be sure to look around the hillsides in early May. You may get a chance to observe the beauty of these amazing plants.
May 2 - Caribou Lake Sunset Sunsets over Caribou Lake in Minnesota gently remind us of the beauty of God's creation. As the sky softly shifts from day to night, the colors rapidly transition through the spectrum in a final display of creation's beauty."From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised." Psalm 113:3This peaceful transition at the end of the day serves as a moment to appreciate and praise the wonder of His works.
May 3 - Lonely LoonA majestic loon graces Caribou Lake, its hypnotic red eyes and haunting calls adding a touch of wild serenity. Their name "loon" comes from the Old Norse word "lomr," which means "lame" or "clumsy," a reference to their awkward gait on land but their incredible swimming abilities in the water.These powerful birds are another unique display of God's incredible creation.'Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, reap, or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?' - Matthew 6:26"God made these incredible birds to show his glory and made us in his image; what a day to be thankful.
May 5 - Swans on the LakeshoreTrumpeter swans land for a rest as they pass through the northland on their flight north to Canada.These beautiful birds are the largest waterfowl species native to North America. They can weigh up to 30 pounds and have wingspans of up to 8 feet!"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:26This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision for our lives. If He takes care of the birds, He will surely take care of us, who are much more valuable to Him.
May 4—Superior Shores—A mesmerizing Grand Marais sunset casts its warm hues over Lake Superior as nature paints the sky with a breathtaking palette of colors. The rocky shoreline is beautiful as it blends into the waters of the big lake.'From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised.' - Psalm 113:3."The beauty of God's creation is displayed every day in a new and different setting.
May 6 - Horizons - Waves slap the shoreline of Lake Superior on a cool May morning. The overnight ice will soon melt from the rocks as the ever-warming sun rises higher and warmer."The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." - Proverbs 4:18The sun's power will soon melt the ice of a cool night, so the power of the Son of God will melt away our selfish hearts.
May 7 - Moonlit Freighter An ocean freighter wails at anchor outside Duluth Harbor, waiting for its turn to load grain. The freighter here is a perfect setting for the full moonrise.As if rising on cue, the moon broke the horizon and beamed across the dark blue water of Lake Superior."The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." - Psalm 19:1The beauty of God's creation is all around us; we need to open our eyes.
May 8 - Aurora Greens - The Aurora Borealis fired up this evening with a beautiful Northern Lights display. Green Northern Lights are a rare and beautiful phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the earth's magnetic field. When you can capture the reflection in a calm lake, it doubles the awesomeness."The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?" - Psalm 8:3-4.Viewing the Northern Lights makes you feel tiny compared to the grandeur of creation.
May 9th—Majestic Pine—Standing high above Lake Superior, this majestic pine holds onto the cliff and salutes the first light of day. “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11).Life is hard; take things a day at a time.
May 10 - Apostle Island Sea Caves. The Apostle Islands sit just offshore from the Bayfield Peninsula on Lake Superior. During the summer, visitors can explore sea caves that water erosion has carved out by boat. In colder winters, somebody can visit the caves on skis. The caves are one of the region's wonders and give new meaning to "Heaven on Earth.""Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea-- the LORD on high is mighty." Psalm 93:4The sea caves are a remarkable part of creation, a true gift from God.
May 11th - Quiet Point on Lake SuperiorThe break of dawn upon the shore of Lake Superior is always a time of reflection and thankfulness for the day ahead.Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you, I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8Thank you, Lord, for the hope found in each sunrise.
May 12—Wave Design: Sunlight reflecting through the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior creates endless designs on the rock below.This hidden beach on the North Shore is a perfect place to rest and reflect on God's goodness. "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." This verse reminds us that as we reflect on the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Please do the same as you view the reflecting light beams.
May 14 - Spring Runoff at Gooseberry FallsWhen heavy spring rains combine with meltwater from the inland swamps and bogs along the Northshore, the incredible power of falling water can be seen and felt.Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38The hand of God is seen everywhere you look in nature.
Caribou Lake Sunset
May 16 - Evening EscapeA lone fisherman guides his boat into a warm sunset, hoping for one last catch.Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:3 Fishing is more about being there than the catch.
May 17 - Wakeup Time at Canal ParkThe rising sun peeks over the lighthouse seawall for the start of another beautiful day on Lake Superior.God called the light Day and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening, and there was morning, the first Day. Genesis 1:5Each Day is a gift. Take a minute to thank the Giver!
May 18—Super Moon - The full moon's rise in May (Flower Moon) is a tribute to the beauty of creation and the heavenly glory of God."When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?" Psalm 8:3-4We are tiny indeed compared to God, who created all things.
May 19 - Milky Way HorizonMay is a great month to view the Milky Way. Fortunately, there are still several hours of complete darkness, allowing you to capture this unforgettable spectacle in all its glory.To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
May 20 - Falling into SummerWith summer only weeks away, the local waterfalls are still flowing stron, and the landscapes are turning fresh green.He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:2Rest and refreshment are a sure sign of approaching summer.
May 23—Superior Driftwood—On this early morning walk, a driftwood log lies buried in the sand of Park Point. I'm not sure how the log got here, but it must have been a powerful storm that rolled it up the beach this far.Over time, driftwood can become a natural work of art with its unique shape, color, and texture. Many people enjoy collecting smaller pieces of driftwood to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.Psalm 93:4 - "Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty." The ebb and flow of life often creates works of art, as we are polished, calm times and rough events.
May 24 - Eagle Harbor Lighthouse - The red brick Eagle Harbor Light Station, a symbol of safety and guidance, is perched on the rocky entrance to the harbor. It serves as a working lighthouse, diligently guiding mariners across the northern edge of the Keweenaw Peninsula.The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse was first built in 1851 and rebuilt in 1871 with a distinctive red brick exterior. The lighthouse stands at a height of 51 feet and has a range of 14 miles. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105This verse compares God's word to a lamp or light that guides us in our lives, much like a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore. It reminds us that just as we rely on lighthouses to navigate treacherous waters, we can also trust in God's word to guide us through life's challenges and uncertainties.
May 25 - The Hang Out - Heron rookeries, reminiscent of medieval forests, are a testament to the unique beauty and behavior of these birds. The herons meticulously construct these rookeries high up in the trees using sticks and twigs, creating a stunning sight. The colonies, often large and densely packed with nests, are a hub of activity during the breeding season. The air is filled with the calls of males vying for attention and the chirping of hungry chicks. The sight of these majestic birds, perched high in their nests like works of art, is a true marvel of nature."Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, reap, or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" - Matthew 6:26 It's incredible how God created such magnificent creatures for us to enjoy.
May 26th—Distant Shores—In late May, the early morning birds wake up and break the quietness of the night as the first light of day begins to scatter the darkness around 5 AM.The first wave of magenta colors finishes with the yellow of the sunrise, which sweeps away the darkness. Few things match the glory of a Lake Superior morning."The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." - Proverbs 4:18There has never been a day like today, and there will never be another like it. Make the most of it and enjoy living.
May 27 - Falling into Summer - Twin Falls near Port Wing, Wisconsin, is a hidden gem among local waterfalls. Larson Creek, a gentle stream, flows over the falls into a deep rock grotto, its peaceful journey ultimately leading to Bibon Lake and Lake Superior.As the creek flows downstream, it actively carves out the natural amphitheater below the falls from the sandstone rock formation, a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature."In the wilderness, He struck the rock and water gushed out; streams flowed abundantly." - Psalm 78:20 (NIV) This verse refers to the miraculous event in which God provided water for the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness by causing water to flow from a rock. It's a powerful testament to God's provision and care for His people.
May 28—The Bong Bridge spans the St Louis Bay. The Bong Bridge, officially known as the Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge, is a four-lane highway bridge that spans the St. Louis Bay between Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. The bridge honors Richard Ira Bong, a renowned World War II fighter pilot and Duluth native. Construction of the 1.75-mile-long bridge was completed in 1984.A popular song called "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel alludes to the idea of a bridge providing comfort and support during difficult times. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10For Christians, Christ is our comfort, especially in troubled times.
May 29 - Milky Way Rising - The Milky Way rising over Lake Superior. As stunning as the Milky Way is, it is easy to photograph. On a clear night, look to the south, and you will find it in the night sky.With your camera on a tripod, set the shutter speed for 20 seconds, and there you have it.The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1God put the Milky Way there so we can enjoy and see Him through it.
May 30 - Crisp Point LighthouseThe Crisp Point Lighthouse has a fixed red Fourth Order lens located at a focal plane of 62 feet. The light was built in 1905.
May 15 - Metalic Sky - Caribou Lake SunsetReflections of a mid-May sunset on Caribou Lake doubles the beauty of a quiet, calm twilight.As in water, face reflects face, so the man's heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19As the eyelids close on another day, reflect and enjoy fond memories.
